LYCOS RETRIEVER 
France
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Metropolitan France is situated between 41° and 50° North, on the western edge of Europe and ... lies within the northern temperate zone. The north and northwest have a temperate climate, however, a combination of maritime influences, latitude and altitude produce a varied climate in the rest of Metropolitan France.[19] In the south-east a Mediterranean climate prevails. In the west, the climate is predominantly oceanic with a high level of rainfall, mild winters and cool summers. Inland the climate becomes more continental with hot, stormy summers, colder winters and less rain. The climate of the Alps and other mountainous regions are mainly alpine in nature with the number of days with temperatures below freezing over 150 per year and snowcover lasting for up to six months.
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The West of France is turned towards the Atlantic Coast. In the north Normandy & Brittany have rolling hills, sandy beaches and quiet little harbour towns. Normandy & Brittany have a more rugged coast and many neolithic sites. It has quite a distinct atmosphere from the rest of the country; you can still sense the Celtic origin of the region and its inhabitants. Nantes and Bordeaux are the biggest cities on the west coast. Bordeaux, capital of the south west, is a stylish city famous for its wines and its 18-th century architecture.
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With a GDP of approximately $2 trillion, France is the sixth-largest economy. It has substantial agricultural resources, a large industrial base, and a highly skilled work force. A dynamic services sector accounts for an increasingly large share of economic activity and is responsible for nearly all job creation in recent years. Real GDP increased 2.2% in 2006. According to initial projections, 2007 GDP growth will hit 1.9%,
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During Philip's reign a greater France emerged. The crusade against the Albigenses (begun 1208) netted the crown the huge fiefs of the counts of Toulouse in S France, and the royal domain (directly subject to the king) now formed the larger part of the kingdom. Philip made the royal authority felt throughout the land. Paris was rebuilt. Louis IX (1226–70) organized an efficient and equitable civil and judicial system. Under Philip IV (1285–1314), the royal administration was improved even more.
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There are many Christmas markets throughout France, such as the ones in Colmar, Strasbourg, Brissac-Quince, Nancy and Montlouis-sur-Loire. The Alsatian towns (like Strasbourg, Colmar and Nancy) are especially charming at Christmas time, with the influence of Germany and their fairy-tale timbered buildings and Christmas shops selling ornaments and cuckoo clocks.
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Alcan's key Rhône-Alpes R&D hub in France will strengthen its position as an innovation platform focused on breakthrough aluminum technologies, creating more than 50 new technology and engineering jobs. This will be supported through Alcan's overall technology spend totalling US$70 million in 2007 in the Rhône-Alpes region.
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